Homes make people sick more frequently than many realize. Additionally, nearly half (up to 47%) of all residential homes may have mold or moisture issues, which can trigger respiratory illnesses, allergies, and asthma.
Carpet cleaning improves indoor air quality by removing deeply embedded allergens, bacteria, and pollutants that act as a reservoir for airborne contaminants. While carpets function as air filters by trapping particles, they can become a source of pollution if they are not professionally cleaned, re-releasing trapped contaminants back into the air through foot traffic and HVAC system movement.
- Dust Mites: Present in roughly four out of five (80%) homes in the United States, causing allergies, red eyes, sneezing, and asthma.
- Mold Exposure: A 2008 study found that up to 24% of the general population is allergic to mold spores, with that number rising to 80% for people with asthma.
- Poor Ventilation & Pollutants: Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, where pollutant levels are often 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors.
- Asthma/Allergy Aggravation: Roughly 3 in 10 people with asthma and allergies report that their symptoms are worse inside their homes.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): Causes roughly 450 deaths and over 15,000 emergency visits annually in the U.S., with 64% of exposures occurring at home.
- Toxic Dust/Chemicals: A study found that 45 potentially toxic chemicals (including flame retardants and pesticides) were hiding in dust in 90% of tested homes.
- Unchanged Filters: Dirty HVAC filters fail to trap pollen and mold, allowing them to be redistributed throughout the house.
- Unexplained headaches, dizziness, or fatigue.
- Chronic eye, nose, or throat irritation.
- Sneezing, coughing, or congestion.
- Visible mold in bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.
- Seasonality: A large proportion of carbon monoxide exposures occur in the winter due to increased use of heating systems and, sometimes, generators.
- Age of Building: Older homes may contain asbestos or lead, while newer, “tightly sealed” energy-efficient homes can suffer from lack of ventilation, causing pollutants to accumulate.
- Vulnerability: Young children, older adults, and those with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory diseases are at the highest risk.
Sick Building Syndrome
Poor indoor air quality, often called “Sick Building Syndrome,” can cause a wide range of immediate and long-term health issues.
Common Household Health Triggers
Homes can trap many invisible pollutants, especially in the carpet, which is the largest air filter in the house!
Kitchen & Heating: Cooking fumes (especially from gas stoves) and gas-fired appliances can release Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
Bathrooms & Basements: Moisture leads to mold and mildew growth, which can cause severe respiratory and allergic reactions.
Living Areas: Carpets and upholstery often trap dust mites. New furniture, paint, and many common cleaning products can release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that turn into vapors at room temperature.
Bedrooms: Pet dander and dust are primary allergens that can aggravate asthma.
Garages: Attached garages can allow car exhaust and chemical fumes to leak into the main living areas.
Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality
The effects on your body can range from mild discomfort to chronic health conditions, as shown in the “Health Symptoms & Effects” section of the chart:
Respiratory: Frequent coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath, and an increase in the frequency of asthma attacks.
Head & Fatigue: Unexplained headaches, dizziness, and chronic fatigue.
Irritation: Itchy eyes, a persistent sore throat, and nasal congestion.
Long-Term Risks: Chronic exposure can lead to long-term respiratory diseases and severe allergic conditions.
Four Key Steps to Improve Your Home’s Air
If you suspect your home is making you sick, the “How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality” guide recommends four actionable steps:
Ventilate: Increase fresh airflow. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and open windows when the outdoor air quality is good.
Clean: Focus on dust control. Vacuum regularly using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter.
Filter: Clean the air and your systems. Use a standalone air purifier with a HEPA filter and make sure to regularly change your central HVAC filters.
Test: If you are unsure of the air quality, use a consumer Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitor to track levels of PM2.5, VOCs, and CO₂.
By managing these sources and increasing ventilation, you can significantly reduce the potential of your home making you sick.